GMC K1500 Transmission Problems & Cost | 4L60E | 4L80E | 6L80

The 4WD GMC K1500 (hence the ‘K’ designation) was equipped with the 4L60E transmission, the 4L80E transmission, and the 6L80 transmission. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common GMC K1500 transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

GMC K1500 Transmission Models

GMC K1500: 4L60E Transmission (Early Models)
GMC K1500: 4L80E Transmission (HD / 2500 only)
GMC K1500 / Suburban: 6L80 Transmission (Later Models)

GMC K1500 Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate

Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.

Replacement GMC K1500 Transmission Prices:

What are the DTC codes related to GMC K1500 transmission problems?

GMC K1500 Transmission Recalls

Recall 14V152000 – Transmission cooler line leak – 6L80 Transmission
2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Light Duty Regular Cab, Double Cab, and Crew Cab
2015 Chevrolet Suburban
2015 Chevrolet Tahoe
2014 GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab, Double Cab, and Crew Cab 2015 Chevrolet Yukon
2015 Chevrolet Yukon XL

Summary –
In March 2014, General Motors recalled certain 2014 Chevrolet Silverado Light Duty Regular Cab, Double Cab, and Crew Cab 1500 series and model year 2015 Suburban and Tahoe; GMC model year 2014 Sierra Regular Cab, Double Cab, and Crew Cab 1500 Series and model year 2015 Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6L80 6-Speed Automatic Transmission. The recalled trucks may have a transmission oil cooler line that is not securely seated in the fitting.

Consequence –
If the line is not securely seated and transmission oil leaks from the fitting, the oil could contact a hot surface and cause a vehicle fire.

Remedy –
Dealers were instructed to inspect the transmission oil cooler line connection and repair the vehicles, as needed, free of charge. Owners may contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 1-888-327-4236 (refer to recall 14V152000).

GMC K1500 Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)

TSB PIP4051C – Harsh Shifting – GMC K1500 4L60E
Problem – Unusually harsh gear changes, combined with a P0717 DTC for an input shaft speed sensor error, are often caused by damage to the ISS sensor wiring.
Solution – If wire damage is found (usually to the white wire), the wiring and sensor will have to be replaced. The pump cover should also be examined for sharp points/edges that could damage the wiring. If any are found, they should be smoothed with a file.

PIP5071 – Squawking noise on the 2-3 shift – GMC K1500 4L60E
Problem – An unusual squawking or groaning noise may be heard on the upshift from 2nd to 3rd gear.
Solution – The 3-4 friction and steel plates, clutch plate, apply plate, and selective backing plates will have to be replaced.

TSB 01-07-30-002C – Transmission stuck in third gear with inoperable instrument cluster and multiple DTC’s – 4L60E Transmission & 4L65 Transmission
1999 – 2003 Cadillac Escalade – 2002 – 2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT – 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV – 1997 – 2003 Chevrolet Silverado – 1997 – 2003 Chevrolet Suburban – 1997 – 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe – 1997 – 2003 Chevrolet Blazer – 1997 – 2003 Chevrolet Express – 1997 – 2003 Chevrolet S10 – 2002 – 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche – 2002 – 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer – 2002 – 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT – 1997 – 2003 GMC Sierra – 1997 – 1999 GMC Suburban – 1999 – 2003 GMC Yukon XL – 1997 – 2003 GMC Yukon – 1997 – 2001 GMC Jimmy – 1997 – 2003 GMC Savanna – 1997 – 2003 GMC Sonoma – 2002 – 2003 GMC Envoy – 2002 – 2003 GMC Envoy XL – 1997 – 2003 Oldsmobile Bravada
Problem – Vehicles equipped with the 4L60E and 4L65E transmission may become stuck in third gear, the instrument cluster may not function, and the following DTC’s may be set: P0740, P0753, P0758, P0785 and P1860.
Solution – The most likely cause of this transmission problem is a blown fuse or an open on circuit 1020 between the fuse panel and the transmission. If no battery voltage is found at the fuse, the ignition switch will need to be replaced

TSB 01-07-30-023B – Harsh 1-2 upshift with P1870 DTC – 4L60E Transmission RPO M30
1996 Buick Roadmaster – 1996 Cadillac Fleetwood – 1999-2000 Cadillac Escalade – 1996-2000 Chevrolet Camaro – 1996-2000 Corvette – 1996-2000 Pontiac Firebird – 1996-2000 Chevrolet and GMC Light Duty Truck Models – 1996-2000 Oldsmobile Bravada
Problem – Drivers may experience an unusually harsh 1-2 shift because the ECU has commanded maximum line pressure in order to compensate for excessive wear in the bore that contains the TCC isolator and regulator valves inside of the valve body.
Solution – Replace the 4L60E valve body with revised TCC regulator and isolator valves.

TSB 01-07-30-038D – Poor transmission performance/slipping with P0757 DTC – 4L60E Transmission – 4L65E Transmission – 4L70E Transmission
2003-2007 HUMMER H2 – 2006-2007 HUMMER H3 – 2005-2007 Saab 9-7X
Problem – Drivers may experience the loss of 3rd and 4th gear, erratic shifting, slipping, freewheeling above 30 mph and a P0757 DTC.
Solution – In order to repair this transmission problem, the 2-3 shift valve, 2-3 shuttle valve, and the valve bore will need to be cleaned of any debris. The 2-4 band and/or 3-4 clutches may also need to be inspected and changed.

TSB 08-07-30-027 – No movements when transmission is shifted into Drive or third – 4L60E Transmission – 4L65E Transmission – 4L70E Transmission
1982-2005 GM Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks: 2006-2007 Buick Rainier – 2006 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV & Escalade EXT – 2006 Chevrolet SSR – 2006-2008 Chevrolet Avalanche – 2006-2008 Chevrolet Colorado – 2006-2008 Chevrolet Express – 2006-2008 Chevrolet Silverado Classic – 2006-2008 Chevrolet Silverado – 2006-2008 Chevrolet Suburban – 2006-2008 Chevrolet Tahoe – 2006-2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer – 2006 GMC Yukon Denali – 2006 GMC Yukon Denali XL – 2006-2008 GMC Canyon – 2006-2008 GMC Envoy – 2006-2008 GMC Savana – 2006-2008 GMC Sierra Classic – 2006-2008 GMC Sierra – 2006-2008 GMC Yukon – 2006-2008 GMC Yukon XL – 2006 Pontiac GTO – 2006-2007 HUMMER H2 – 2006-2008 HUMMER H3 – 2006-2008 Saab 9-7X – with the 4L60, 4L60E, 4L65E or 4L70E Automatic Transmission (RPOs MD8, M30, M32, M33 or M70)
Problem – It is possible to experience no movement when the transmission is shifted into Drive or the 3rd gear position. It is possible to experience normal operation when the transmission shifted into second, first or reverse.
Solution – Replace the forward sprag assembly

TSB 00-07-30-022D – No reverse, second or fourth gears – 4L60E Transmission & 4L65E Transmission
1993 – 2005 GM passenger cars and light duty trucks
Problem – Drivers may experience the loss of reverse, second and fourth gears. First and third gears will seem to function normally
Solution – The reaction sun gear may fail inside of the sun shell. It will need to be replaced with a stronger heat-treated 4L60E / 4L65 sun gear.

TSB 01-04-17-004B – Clunk, bump or squawk when vehicle comes to a stop, or when it is accelerating from a complete stop – 4WD/AWD vehicles with a one-piece propeller/drive shaft only
1999-2004 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade EXT, Escalade ESV – 1996-1999 Chevrolet 1500 Series Extended Cab Short Box Pickup (Old Style) – 1996-1999 Chevrolet 1500 Series Regular Cab Pickup and Utility Models (Old Style) – 1999-2002 Chevrolet Silverado Extended Cab Short Box (New Style) – 1999-2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Series Regular Cab (New Style) – 2000-2004 Chevrolet 1500 Series Avalanche, Suburban and Tahoe – 2001-2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500 Series Regular Cab with Long Bed or Extended Cab (New Style) – 2001-2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 series crew cab, short box (New style) – 1996-1999 GMC 1500 series extended cab short box (Old style) – 1996-1999 GMC 1500 series regular cab pickup and utility models (Old Style) – 1999-2002 GMC Sierra extended cab short box (New style) – 1999-2004 GMC 1500 series Yukon, Yukon XL – 2000-2004 GMC Sierra 2500/3500 series regular cab with long bed or extended cab (New style) – 2001-2004 GMC Sierra 2500 Series Crew Cab, Short Box (New Style) – 2003-2005 HUMMER H2
Problem – In vehicles equipped with 4WD or AWD, drivers may experience a clunk, bump or squawk noise when they come to a stop, or when accelerating from a complete stop. This may occur during the 2-3 upshift or 3-2 downshift.
Solution – Replace the rear driveshaft slip yoke with a more robust nickel plated slip yoke.

TSB 06-07-30-007A – Harsh 1-2 shift with P0894 DTC – 4L60E Transmission | 4L65 Transmission | 4L70E Transmission
2006 Cadillac Escalade Models – 2006 Chevrolet Light Duty Trucks – 2006 Chevrolet Express Vans – 2006 GMC Light Duty Trucks – 2006 GMC Savana Vans – 2006 Pontiac GTO – 2006 HUMMER H2, H3 – 2006 Saab 9-7X – with 4L60-E / 4L65-E / 4L70-E (RPOs M30, M32, M70) Automatic Transmission
Problem – Drivers may experience an unusually harsh 1-2 shift with a P0894 DTC
Solution – Replace the TCC enable solenoid and/or wiring harness

TSB 08-07-30-008B – Diagnostic information for P0894 and P1870 DTC – 4L60E Transmission | 4L65 Transmission | 4L70E Transmission
2003-2007 GM Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks – 2003-2007 HUMMER H2 – 2006-2007 HUMMER H3 – 2005-2007 Saab 9-7X – with 4L60-E, 4L65-E or 4L70-E Automatic Transmission (RPOs M30, M32 or M70)
Problem – This relates to drivers who experience unusually harsh 1-2 shifts, along with a P0804 and/or a P1870 DTC.
Solution – It is possible that a leaking TCC solenoid, a torque converter clutch valve or damaged turbine shaft O-ring seal could cause these two diagnostic trouble codes. However, it could also be caused by a failed torque converter.

TSB 08-07-30-001 – GMC K1500 4L80E
Problem: Harsh or delayed shifts, slipping, no forward/reverse gears. Possible DTCs: P0741, P0742, P0751, P0752, P0756, P0757, P0894.
Solution: Rebuild or replace the valve body.

TSB 08-07-30-015 – GMC K1500 4L80E
Problem: Harsh shifts, delayed 2-3 shifts, 2-3 shift flare, no 3rd gear, slips in 3rd gear or reverse. Possible DTC 0757.
Solution: If none of the issues described in Bulletin 08-07-30-001 are present (debris in #11 checkball, leak in oil circuit, damage to the direct clutch), then replace the 2-3 shift solenoid due to a possible sticking pintle.

TSB PI488C – No forward or reverse and/or slipping – 6L80 Transmission | 6L90 Transmission
2010 – 2014 Cadillac CTS-V – 2010 – 2014 Cadillac Escalade (all models) – 2010 – 2013 Chevrolet Avalanche – 2010 – 2014 Chevrolet Camaro – 2010 – 2014 Chevrolet Corvette – 2010 – 2014 Chevrolet Express – 2010 – 2014 Chevrolet Silverado – 2010 – 2014 Chevrolet Suburban – 2010 – 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe – 2011 – 2014 Chevrolet Caprice PPV – 2014 Chevrolet SS – 2010 – 2014 GMC Savana – 2010 – 2014 GMC Sierra – 2010 – 2014 GMC Yukon – 2010 – 2014 GMC Yukon XL – 2010 – 2014 GMC Yukon Denali
Problem – Trucks equipped with the 6-speed 6L80 or 6L90 transmission may experience no forward or reverse engagement, or slipping between the gears.
Solution – This problem could be caused by a cracked or split transmission filter. If this is the case, the transmission pump should be disassembled and inspected for possible damage. Inspect for any of the following conditions: – scored pump rotor or pump vanes – scored pump cover or pump rotor pocket – cracked pump slide.

The transmission should also be evaluated for any possible distress to the clutches. GM’s testing and analysis found that split or damaged filters may be caused by a damaged transmission pump. This can send a high pressure fluid spike down the filter neck on a cold start, resulting in the filter body cracking or the filter seam splitting. The filter is not defective and this is not a filter quality issue. Important: Do not replace the filter without inspecting the pump. Failure to inspect the pump and clutches could lead to a repeat of this condition.

TSB 09-07-30-004J – Slips in Reverse or Third, Delayed Reverse or Drive Engagement, DTC P0776, P2715, P2723, Harsh 2-3 Shifts – 6L80 Transmission | 6L90 Transmission
2006-2009 Cadillac STS-V – 2006-2009 Cadillac XLR – 2006-2009 Cadillac XLR-V – 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT – 2006-2009 Chevrolet Corvette – 2007-2008 Chevrolet Silverado – 2008 Chevrolet Suburban – 2007-2008 GMC Sierra – 2007-2008 GMC Sierra Denali – 2007-2008 GMC Yukon Denali – 2007-2008 GMC Yukon XL Denali – 2008 GMC Yukon XL – 2008-2009 HUMMER H2 – 2008-2009 Pontiac G8
Problem – Vehicles equipped with the 6L80 or 6L90 transmission may slip when Reverse is selected or have no/delayed reverse engagement, harsh shifts from 2-3 / 4-5 or slips while in fifth, and slipping acceleration when passing. Possible DTCs include P0776, P2715 or P2723.
Solution – This transmission problem may be caused by a cracked 1-2-3-4 / 3-5-R clutch housing.

Common GMC K1500 Transmission Problems 

Intermittent harsh shifting – GMC K1500 4L60E
Problem – A common 4L60E transmission problem is an intermittent hard 1-2 shift, often accompanied by engine bogging. This condition can be caused by the torque convertor clutch applying during the shift.
Solution – To remedy the problem, the wiring harness needs to be inspected from the transmission case connector to the rear of the engine on the driver side. It’s possible that the wires for the TCC solenoid and pressure control solenoid have become frayed on a body seam. If this is the case, the wiring will need to be repaired, and the harness repositioned.

Solenoid DTC’s – GMC K1500 6L80E
Problem – A number of diagnostic trouble codes, including P0776, P0796, P2714 and P2723, can be caused by a pressure leak at the end of the clutch regulating valve.
Solution – The bore plug will have to be replaced with updated versions, or modified to accept an O-ring kit.

Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light

Can I drive with a transmission problem?

If your GMC K1500 can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.

How often does a GMC K1500 transmission need to be replaced?

The overall lifespan of a GMC K1500 transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the GMC K1500 transmission last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.

How are GMC K1500 transmission issues diagnosed?

It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your GMC K1500 transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.

How is a GMC K1500 transmission replaced?

In order to replace your GMC K1500 transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed. Once it is in place, for the 6L80, the vehicle PCM will have to be reprogrammed / reflashed to accept the new transmission using the latest GM subscription.

Recommendations for GMC K1500 transmission issues?

To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit truck VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman GMC K1500 transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.

How to Solve GMC K1500 Transmission Problems

Solution A: Buy a Used GMC K1500 Transmission

The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.

Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt GMC K1500 Transmission

Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.

Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured GMC K1500 Transmission

Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

What Problem Does Your GMC K1500 Have?

Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!